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JUNE, 1926]
THE MUTINY AT INDORE
117
4. On returning to Mhow I met Colonel Platt on entering the station. I gave him the note received from Colonel Travers, explained the reasons for which I had not proceeded to Indore, and requested his permission to enter the fortified square at once. I told him, if he would permit me to enter the Fort, and that I could be secure of two days' non-interference to mount the heavy guns I formerly dismounted, lay in stores, water, etc., that I would guarantee the safety of the Fort against any attacks for a month.
5. Colonel Platt was unfortunately so secure in the fidelity of his own regiment, and of the wing of the 1st Light Cavalry stationed at Mhow, that my request was refused; and it was only after great entreaty, and pointing out to the commanding officer that the lives of every European in the station were at hazard, that he gave me permission to enter the Fort with my company and guns at half-past 6 p.m. last evening. The whole of the European ladies and families at Mhow took refuge in the Fort at the same time.
6. At 9 p.m. last night it was reported that an agent from Holkar had arrived to communicate with Colonel Platt, and had been stopped by the cavalry picquet stationed on the Indore road. Whether this agent misled the troops or not, I am ignorant.
7. At 10 p.m. several musket-shots were heard in the direction of the cavalry and infantry lines, and shortly afterwards nearly all the officers of the 23rd Regiment and wing Light Cavalry ran into the Fort, and reported that they had run the gauntlet of their respective regiments, having all of them been fired upon, though fortunately none were hit.
8. Almost immediately afterwards Colonel Platt rode into the Fort, and ordered me to turn out my battery. The night was dark, my horses were much knocked up; but, in about half an hour, the horses were traced to, and we moved out and advanced to the infantry lines. Colonel Platt and his adjutant (Captain Fagan) preceded me about a quarter of an hour; but from the moment I left the Fort I did not see them. On nearing the infantry lines my battery was fired upon; and before reaching the cavalry lines, several shots having been fired, I halted and fired several rounds of round shot into the lines of the 23rd Regiment N.I. No person was visible, but much noise was heard, and I think some men must have been killed.
9. By this time several officers' Bungalows were in a blaze; and as no persons were visible in any direction, and it was too dark for the battery to be in the least serviceable, I returned to the Fort.
10. Unfortunately we learnt afterwards that the mutiny of the troops had been accompanied by great treachery and violence. Colonel Platt and his adjutant, I grieve to report, were shot down by the quarter guard of the 23rd Regiment, and Major Harris was out down and shot by the men of his own guard. I sent out a detachment to bring in the bodies this morning, which have been recovered, much mutilated.
11. Every precaution is being taken now for the protection of the Fort. I have laid in, and am laying in, stores of all descriptions for men and horses. All my bullocks. have been carried off by the bullock drivers, but we have still some bullocks, though not sufficient to move my extra waggons. We are threatened with an attack from Holkar, probably accompanied by the troops which have mutinied; but I hope to hold the Fort until relieved; and as the Brigadier Commanding at Saugor may perhaps be able to communicate with Colonel Woodburn, if he will hurry that officer in his advance on Mhow, it may perhaps save us if attacked by an overpowering force. The Fort is very weak; but we shall do our best to hold out until reinforced.
I have etc.,
(Signed) T. Hungerford, Captain, Commanding at Mhow.
